Weekly Column: Native Americans' Day

In South Dakota, we celebrate Native Americans' Day rather than the federal holiday known as Columbus Day.  This historic state holiday originated in 1990 when Governor George S. Mickelson and members of the nine tribal governments in South Dakota proclaimed 1990 a Year of Reconciliation. This was our way of observing and honoring the rich and deep history of tribal people in our state. Our mutual goal was to engage the public and expose us all to Native American heritage and culture, acknowledge our challenges and yet commit ourselves to working together toward a brighter future.   

Native Americans have a rich history in South Dakota. For many generations, Native Americans called our state home, long before Europeans settled in the West. South Dakota was originally a part of the vast territory of the Dakota, Lakota and Nakota people. Many other tribal nations include the Dakota Territory in their tribal histories. 

Today, our state is home to nine tribal governments, comprising more than 70,000 Native Americans, each of which has a unique story to tell. Their traditions and customs are deeply woven into the fabric of our society. Our museums showcase ornate tribal art such as beadwork and star quilts. A wacipi, or powwow, is a gathering focused on dance, song and family. Wacipis celebrate the connections to spirituality and tradition. Wacipis are held throughout South Dakota, and the public is often welcome to attend. Many of our most recognizable landmarks are considered sacred by Native Americans and many South Dakota towns and sites bear traditional names. 

While we are all South Dakotans, tribal governments are also sovereign nations, which creates and requires a special relationship between local, state and federal governments. At the federal level, I am committed to working with tribes to make certain their unique circumstances and challenges are being properly addressed.

Earlier this year, I met with tribal Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) to discuss the concerns of tribal veterans. Their input and feedback brought me much-needed insight into the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).  As a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I remain committed to holding the VA accountable to all our nation’s vets across the country.

I’ve also been working to improve the education system in Indian Country, especially in rural and high-poverty areas. In some parts of the country, graduation rates at tribal schools are at 40 percent – half the national average. This is unacceptable. All children deserve access to a high-quality education system that prepares them for a prosperous and successful future. A provision I offered will help identify recruitment and retention options for teachers and administrators at tribal schools and analyze the limitations in funding sources. Earlier this year, it was unanimously adopted to the Every Child Achieves Act– the bipartisan education reform bill passed by the Senate.

Native Americans are not just a part of our history, they are a key part of our future. The customs and traditions of their culture guide and shape our state. I look forward to continuing to work with tribal governments to find ways to strengthen communities in Indian Country and improve the quality of life for all South Dakotans. 

In South Dakota, we are honored to call the second Monday in October Native Americans' Day.